Vietnam proposes five priorities for ASEAN-Russia economic cooperation
The initiatives focus on supply chains, logistics, technology, green growth, finance and people-to-people ties
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Photo source: Andrii Yalanskyi / iStock
Vietnam has proposed five key areas for strengthening ASEAN-Russia cooperation, focusing on supply chains, transport and logistics, science and technology, green growth, and finance and people-to-people exchanges, as reported by VNA, a TV BRICS partner.
The proposals were presented by Finance Minister Ngo Van Tuan at the Russia-ASEAN Business Dialogue held in Vladivostok, Russia, as part of the 11th Eastern Economic Forum. The dialogue brought together Sergey Katyrin, President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as officials and business representatives from Russia and ASEAN countries.
Tuan highlighted Vladivostok's role as a gateway connecting Russia with the Asia-Pacific region, including Vietnam, noting that 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations. He also referred to the recent ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan, Russia, which adopted the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action for 2026-2030 as a basis for deepening the strategic partnership.
Trade between Russia and ASEAN has increased by nearly 58 per cent over the past decade, reaching about US$21 billion in 2025. Tuan said the figure was positive but noted significant potential for further growth, stressing the need to translate cooperation priorities into concrete projects, stronger trade and investment flows and measurable results.
The first proposed area is the development of new supply chains and stronger trade and investment connectivity. Vietnam sees opportunities to combine Russia's strengths in energy, raw materials, agriculture, industry, science and technology with ASEAN's large market, young workforce and production networks. Vietnam is ready to serve as a bridge and encourage investment in processing and manufacturing, high technology, energy, logistics and high-tech agriculture.
The second priority is transport and logistics. Tuan proposed strengthening maritime links between Vladivostok and Russia's Far East and Vietnam and Southeast Asia, while connecting them with Eurasian railways and transport corridors. He also suggested studying a Far East-Vietnam-ASEAN logistics corridor linking seaports, cold storage, distribution centres and production chains.
The third area is cooperation in science and technology, digital transformation and artificial intelligence. The sides are encouraged to develop joint programmes in AI, cybersecurity, fintech, digital healthcare and education, data centres and smart manufacturing, with a focus on joint research, technology transfer, human-resource training and commercialisation.
The fourth priority covers energy, green growth and sustainable development. Vietnam sees opportunities for cooperation in clean and renewable energy, offshore wind power, modern power infrastructure, the green economy and the circular economy, drawing on Russia's energy and technological strengths.
The fifth area is finance, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Tuan said Vietnam is developing free-trade zones linked to seaports, logistics, industry and services, as well as international financial centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. He also called for stronger air connectivity and cooperation in tourism, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges. Vietnam welcomed nearly 21.2 million international visitors in 2025, providing a basis for expanding tourism links among Russia, Vietnam and ASEAN.
Tuan said Vietnam is entering a new development period, targeting annual economic growth of at least 10 per cent in 2026-2030 and aiming to become a developed, high-income country by 2045. The country is promoting science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, AI, high-quality human resources and the private sector, while investing in strategic infrastructure and improving the investment and business environment.
With an economy worth about US$514 billion and total goods trade exceeding US$930 billion in 2025, Vietnam is becoming increasingly integrated into regional production and supply chains. Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Russia reached about US$4.77 billion in 2025, accounting for roughly one-quarter of Russia-ASEAN trade. Vietnam was also the first ASEAN member to sign a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
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